TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks at a press conference during media day at Knicks Training Facility on September 30, 2024 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks were back in the spotlight Monday morning during Media Day.
Everybody sat at the desk and discussed this and that the other thing, so I had plenty to go through for a first gathering of quotes before I dig deeper to offer more comprehensive bulletins in the next few days.
For now, here’s a bunch of what was said during Monday’s Media Day.
"Regardless of what we accomplished, moving forward, our standard and how we approach our process is going to be really critical for us. We can't afford to have any slippage in our process."
On turning the page from last season’s championship:
“What we accomplished was amazing…. Keeping your core is always something that’s exciting, especially when that core has had success… but we have to understand this is a new season, new team, and we’re going to face new challenges over the course of the year. We’re going to hit adversity… and we’re going to embrace it.”
On maintaining the Knicks’ standards after winning the championship:
“Regardless of what we accomplished, moving forward, our standard and how we approach our process is going to be really critical for us. We can’t afford to have any slippage in our process.”
On embracing adversity early in the season:
“A lot of people tend to shy away from adversity, especially early on because you get scrutinized. I actually yearn for it. I yearn for it early because I want to make sure we as a group can handle it.”
On experiencing New York’s reaction to the Knicks’ championship:
“My wife and I walked into the Polo Bar, and I was at the bottom of the steps, and everyone clapped.”
On the Knicks’ contract-extension situations:
“We try to talk about everything. We don’t want to leave elephants in the room. Leon and his group have been good. I have a lot of faith in them, the players and agents.”
On the pending extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart:
“First thing is, we try to talk about everything. we don’t want to leave any elephants in the room. that’s something Leon and his staff have been very good at — some would say the best in the NBA.”
On the NBA’s second apron and how it impacted the Knicks’ offseason:
“When it comes to contracts and second apron, on my grandkids, if you ask me to give you two facts about second apron, I can’t do it. I have no interest. Leon trusts me with stuff on court, and I trust”
On new Knicks center Andre Drummond:
“Watching him in the gym, he’s a little quicker and more explosive than (I) thought.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ offseason weight loss:
“I don’t know. I haven’t checked his body weight.”
On continuing to use Karl-Anthony Towns at the elbow:
“We started the season with an offense with him at the elbow. We just did different things.”
Karl-Anthony Towns talks about the Knicks losing Mitchell Robinson and signing Andre Drummond this offseason:
"I was very surprised that Mitch wasn't going to be back here with us. I think all of us were, so it was a surprise to everybody. Thought something would get done there,… pic.twitter.com/Mhd7SYc7pf
“I’ve made it known that I want to play here; I’ve been a fan since a kid. I would like to get one done. I’d like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible.”
On his comfort level if extension negotiations continue into the season:
“I think in this situation there’s no comfortability to be had.”
On Mitchell Robinson leaving the Knicks and Andre Drummond arriving in New York:
“I was very surprised that Mitch was not going to be back here with us. I think all of us were. Surprise to everybody; thought something would get done there, but we have Andre, someone I’ve respected a lot from afar and someone I’ve been a fan of. One of the best rebounders of our generation. To be able to play with him and also learn a little is going to be awesome.”
On starting over after winning the championship:
“Just get back to the drawing board, start at 0-0. Be hungry, be willing to do whatever it takes again to win it again.”
On losing weight during the offseason:
“I thought my wife thought I looked good. In the offseason, I always lose the weight. I use the offseason to give my body a chance to recover and rest.”
On bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy to his wedding:
“I couldn’t have a wedding without Larry.”
Jalen Brunson talks about the Knicks being able to handle winning:
"I have the utmost faith in these guys. I don't know about Josh, we'll see how he acts" 😂 pic.twitter.com/YihB62ezmw
On losing Mitchell Robinson and adding Andre Drummond:
“It was tough. That’s my guy. I think no matter what I’m happy for him. It’s definitely difficult but you love to see someone advance generational wealth. Getting Andre, we’re execited. I think he can be a big piece to this team.”
On his confidence that contract situations won’t affect his teammates:
“I have the utmost faith in these guys. I don’t know about Josh, we’ll see how he acts”
On playing through his wrist injury during the playoffs:
“It was painful. I played through it. I did what I had to do to make sure I was right. I didn’t think I needed surgery. If that was case, I would have maybe done it sooner. I feel good. We’ll see.”
On what the Knicks learned about needing each other to win:
“As a group, we figured out we needed each other to win. We needed to be on the same page. … It wasn’t necessarily a turning point, you just do what you’re supposed to do every day.”
On how the opening weeks will reveal the Knicks’ identity:
“The first couple of weeks of the season are going to show us who we are.”
On the biggest lesson he has learned about winning:
“Just about not being satisfied, I think is the biggest takeaway moving forward.”
On his championship summer:
“It was the longest, shortest summer ever, but it was well worth it.”
On experiencing a championship in New York:
“I remember when the Yankees were in the World Series and just the electricity the city had. It just made you want to be a part of something like that.”
On his favorite “SNL” skit from his hosting appearance:
“Ask me in like a week, I still haven’t really watched it”
Josh Hart was asked how important it is for him to get an extension done with the Knicks:
"You always want to get it done, kind of as soon as possible. You don't want that trickling into the season because whenever there's uncertainty, there's going to be a lot of questions.… pic.twitter.com/pg1ieFZC6t
On returning after the championship summer and pursuing another title:
“The weight of the jersey was extremely light this summer. This morning, it was a bit heavier. I think we’re all excited for the opportunity to do it again. … We’re not satisfied to just get one.”
On the Knicks writing their own history as defending champions:
“At the end of the day we write our own history. It shows the significance of the CBA and the second apron, but at the end of the day, that’s the past and it holds no precedence over what the future is gonna hold.”
On his future with the Knicks:
“I’m a Knick, love to be a Knick.”
On whether he expects to sign an extension before the season:
“Do I think it’s going to get done? I don’t think it’s going to get done. Once start of seasons, I want to focus on playing. I’m sure that’ll add a little extra weight to the jersey.”
On wanting to complete an extension before the season:
“Do I think it’s gonna get done? There hasn’t been much movement or conversation. I would love for it to get done.”
On handling his contract situation:
“At the end of the day, it’s a business. … You never know what’s going to happen. For me, as long as I wear this jersey, I’m going to play as hard as I can. Hopefully we figure it out. … If some of these things aren’t finished by February, it might be a different situation.”
On wanting contract uncertainty resolved sooner rather than later:
“You always want to get it done as soon as possible. You don’t want that trickling into the season. Whenever there’s uncertainty, there’s going to be rumors. At a human level, it can wear people down and impact”
On Jalen Brunson’s “SNL” performance:
“I thought he was fine. He doesn’t have a future in acting.”
On whether teammates’ contract-extension situations could become a distraction:
“I have no input in all that but our guys are resilient and tough and no matter what’s going on, we’ll be alright.”
On his infamous Instagram Live:
“I was just trying to be me a little bit.”
On losing Mitchell Robinson and adding Andre Drummond:
“I think we’re just going to miss Mitch. That’s our guy, one of my good friends. We all love Mitch. We’re going to miss him, but bringing in Drum helps.”
On his favorite part of winning the championship:
“In the moment. Seeing everyone; we know how long the days and seasons are.”
Q: "You have one of the best poker faces in the NBA"
On being told he has one of the NBA’s best poker faces:
“I don’t know what that means.”
On Mitchell Robinson leaving and Andre Drummond joining the Knicks:
“Everyone’s sad to see him go, but that’s how it goes in the NBA. Andre’s a great player, played against him for years now. We know he can help us a lot.”
On Mohamed Diawara’s potential:
“Endless upside”
On making an iconic play during the Knicks’ championship run:
“I mean, yeah, I don’t think really about it that much. But I know it was a big play. Makes me happy that I brought joy to everyone. Hopefully do something like that again”
On reviewing his missed shots and improving his jumper:
“I don’t like missing shots, so whenever I’m missing shots, I always review the film, see what I did right or wrong”
On watching his Game 4 game-winning tip-in again:
“Just watching it back, seeing all the excitement from the fans, my teammates, and then KAT getting the tip on the last play”
San Diego, California - September 25: Craig Stammen #14 of the San Diego Padres high fives his players before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
From 2016 to 2024, San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller hired four managers.
Andy Green was the rebuild manager, never intended to be the guy. Then Preller hired his friend from the Texas Rangers, Jayce Tingler. They had their first successful season in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. From the start of 2021, it was clear that Tingler was in over his head and he reportedly lost the clubhouse before the end of the year.
Then there was Bob Melvin and a playoff season in 2022 but there were lots of rumblings about disagreements between Melvin and Preller. After the debacle of the 2023 season, Melvin quit to take a job with the San Francisco Giants.
Mike Shildt had been a special advisor to Preller during Melvin’s tenure as manager. He was a logical choice to succeed Melvin due to his knowledge of the organization and an already established relationship with players and team members. He also had a winning record as a manager but a clouded situation regarding his exit from the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
After two seasons of 90 or more wins each year, Shildt walked away from managing, citing the strain on his mental and physical health. After his departure, word came out about clashes with Preller and his coaching staff regarding his management style and his verbally abusive behavior.
A surprising choice to lead the way
After a lengthy process with multiple interviewees coming through San Diego, former Padre Craig Stammen was announced as the manager for 2026 season.
It’s not a stretch to say there were many surprised, and sometimes outraged, reactions. A good portion of fans and media thought future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols had the job in the bag. At the press conference introducing the new on-field leader, Preller revealed he had to talk Stammen into taking the job. He had originally been part of the interviewing process, not an interviewee.
Needless to say, hiring a first-time manager who had never coached before caused a flurry of anxiety-ridden outbursts from all over the city. The Padres had been to the postseason for two years running. They had two seasons of 90 or more wins along with those two playoff runs. They needed someone who had the experience to take them over the finish line, not start over from scratch.
Preller was betting on an unproven former player that he respected so much he hired him to join the organization as soon as he retired from baseball. Giving him a special assistant role and placing Stammen in the front office, Preller said he always believed that managing was in Stammen’s future, but the Ohio resident and family man didn’t seem to be on board.
It appeared that Preller valued Stammen’s character traits and personality above any coaching experience. He was known as a leader in the clubhouse and the bullpen when he pitched for the team. Preller was gambling that those same leadership qualities would carry him through his rookie season if he had enough support around him.
Stammen is as steady as they come. We saw it when he pitched for the Padres. As a middle reliever, he famously started the “Stammen Game” for the 2020 playoffs and his teammates valued him for that and his quiet leadership.
What went wrong with the other guys
Andy Green being named as the manager for the New York Mets after serving as their interim manager this season highlights the prove-it nature of managing jobs in MLB.
When he was hired in San Diego, Green was the development guy, brought in to guide as Preller built. He would not be given the opportunity to manage a better team and was let go after the 2019 season.
Tingler was definitely Preller’s choice, but the match wasn’t good. The players didn’t respond to his style, and he seemed overwhelmed at many points during the season.
The two experienced and proven managers that Preller hired after that were both very set in their ways. Old-school baseball guys resistant to analytics and to the front office team’s involvement in the clubhouse. Neither Melvin nor Shildt could adapt to what was asked of them.
Preller is unique
A.J. Preller thinks and works outside the box. Like him or not, he is unique in baseball for the way he does his job. There has been a lot of criticism of his approach and his non-traditional way of building a baseball team.
Whether or not you agree with his choices, the Padres are more successful under his guidance and late owner Peter Seidler’s vision than at any other time in Padres history. Much of the credit goes to Seidler for the influx of money into the team. For better or worse, the Padres have a core of players tied to the team for many years, and that is due to Seidler and Preller.
If you stick with Preller, then you stick with his approach.
What makes Stammen different
Stammen is done with his first regular season as the Padres manager. He has led the team to 90 or more wins for their third season in a row. They are going to the postseason for the fifth time in seven years.
His rookie season was not without its ups and downs, but he remained constant. His only showing of temper was with umpires.
Mistakes were made, absolutely. Strategy and bullpen management are never mastered and are always second-guessed. No manager does it right if you ask the fans.
An article written by Kevin Acee and published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on Sept. 22 outlined the meeting that occurred between Preller, Stammen, Josh Stein (Preller’s vice president), and Ruben Niebla.
In that conversation, the group developed the “pitching chaos” plan that got the team through the two weeks leading up to the trade deadline. The season was slipping away, and thinking outside the box was a must. They cobbled together a map that would take the pitching staff through the two weeks until trades could be made to acquire more pitching. It probably saved the season.
Stammen is not a traditional baseball guy; he is not a seasoned veteran of dugout strategy or coaching.
He brings his experience as a player, his personality and character, his already established reputation, and the respect he has from those around him.
Probably most importantly, Stammen brings flexibility in thinking. A willingness to go outside the box, try new things, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes, on the biggest stage possible. His ego is not a hindrance to admitting when he needs to improve. He encourages others to contribute to the whole while guiding the ship with a steady hand.
What the future holds
We don’t know how far this team will go this season. We don’t even know if Stammen intends to stay for another year.
The new ownership has expressed a desire to win it all. If they put their money where their mouth is, the future could be bright for this organization.
The people leading going forward will be Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones. They will decide who the leadership team will be for next season and beyond.
If Preller remains in charge, it seems likely he will want Stammen to remain. It is hard to argue with what this team has accomplished this season.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 11: Manager Torey Lovullo (L) and general manager Mike Hazen of the Arizona Diamondbacks meet before Game Three of the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on October 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 season is officially in the books, at least as far as the Diamondbacks go. For the third year in a row, it’s a case of, “Close but no cigar”, missing out on the playoffs by less than a handful of games. Of particular note this year, is the situation of manager Torey Lovullo, whose contract has now effectively expired. He signed a three-year contract after the run to the World Series in 2023, but the lack of any extension became an increasingly elephant-shaped object in the room, as we moved through this season. A decision on Lovullo’s future is likely to be made and announced in the next few days, so let’s chew over the possibilities.
The Mike Hazen and Torey Lovullo connection
Perhaps the most obvious factor is, what happens with regard to Diamondbacks’ GM, Mike Hazen. He brought in Torey Lovullo in early November 2016, just a few after taking over, and that has been the situation ever since. It is easily the most stable partnership in franchise history. Lovullo is the longest tenured Arizona manager, and it’s not close: he has managed 1,518 regular season games, which is more than twice as many as anyone else (Kirk Gibson’s 728 is next). Indeed, across all of MLB, Lovullo has outlasted 27 of the other managers present when he was appointed. Only Dave Roberts in Los Angeles and Kevin Cash in Tampa have been in their positions for longer.
Hazen has four General Managers with more tenure than him, but may be on thinner ice than Lovullo. Despite franchise-record payrolls in 2024 and 2025, and not far short this year, the team has not reached the playoffs. There are legitimate questions to be raised about Hazen’s ability at constructing a major-league roster. While he is officially under contract through the end of 2028, it may be that the team is not willing to wait our those two further seasons, and opts to go in a different direction. If a new General Manager is brought in, it’s highly likely he will want the opportunity to pick his own manager.
Mike Hazen’s successes and failures
The bottom line is that, since his rookie success in 2017, the Diamondbacks have reached the post-season only once in the last nine years. Now, it’s undeniably a factor that being in the same division as the Dodgers makes things exponentially harder. They have won over 90 games (or equivalent) fourteen years in a row. Since 2013, they have won over a hundred games more than any other team. At $334 million per year, their TV deal alone is more valuable than all the D-backs revenue. Now resources aren’t everything. But the Dodgers are scarily well-run too, currently having the #1 farm system. Beating that? Good luck. Competing for a wild-card spot is the best-case scenario.
On that basis, Hazen has done well enough, keeping the team in the race four consecutive Septembers. It does seem that a lot of fans forget the horrors of the before times. In the five years before Hazen took over, the Diamondbacks didn’t have a single winning season. 2020-22 were pretty ugly as well. But since then? The D-backs have a .523 winning percentage, sixth-best in the NL, despite only one playoff appearance. Is “there or thereabouts, and hope things break our way” good enough? Many fans on social media would reject that, but I’m more pragmatic. I lived through 2004 and 2021. I have no desire to do so again.
That said, the current GM has failed in a number of areas, most notably on the pitching side. The big ticket free-agent signings in the Hazen era have largely been disastrous: Madison Bumgarner, Jordan Montgomery and (so far) Corbin Burnes, with Eduardo Rodriguez also terrible up until 2026. Even this year, we signed Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both of whom underperformed. The farm system has been little if any help. The most productive prospect drafted or signed by Hazen is Ryne Nelson, at a total of just 5.1 bWAR. Next is… Drey Jameson and Brandon Pfaadt (2.2). Then there’s the Arizona bullpen, which until the second half of this year, has been an annual disaster.
The position players have been a better group. Corbin Carroll has been great, and the extensions signed by him and Ketel Marte have already repaid their value. Christian Walker, Geraldo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno all definitely count on the plus side of the Hazen ledger. But there have been misses as well. While the Twitiots would tell you Pavin Smith is the worst player in baseball, resigning Lourdes Gurriel Jr was a far bigger mistake. Although I will agree, the debacle which was Arizona’s first-base this year might have been key in the team missing the playoffs. Watching Jake McCarthy bat .291 for Colorado was also annoying.
Torey Lovullo’s successes and failures
It’s a lot harder to assess a manager, because it’s very much an “iceberg” position. By which I mean, ninety percent of what managers do, is invisible to fans. We see the pitching changes and the line-up. But the vast bulk of the work that goes on in the clubhouse, forging 26 individuals into a cohesive unit, happens entirely out of sight. When it does come to the surface – as with KetelGate – it’s rarely a good thing. While we still don’t know everything that happened, I feel I can confidently say, that whole situation, from a managerial point of view, was an absolute no-win. There’s no way to navigate that minefield in a way where everyone was happy.
I do think there are times where Torey does seem to have a case of “foot in mouth” syndrome. Most recently, after Saturday’s key defeat in San Diego, Lovullo put rookie pitcher Jose Cabrera into a key game to protect a one-run lead. Cabrera imploded, allowing five runs while recording four outs. Asked afterwards why, Lovullo answered, “I just felt like I wanted to see what Cabrera could do.” This is either terrible bullpen management, or terrible public relations. I’m inclined towards the latter, and suspect he didn’t actually throw the pitcher in there on a whim. But that’s what it sounds like, and perception is often stronger than reality.
It is interesting that those closer to Lovullo typically think more highly of him. Jack, for example, often gets accused of being a Torey mouthpiece. But I think he genuinely does believe Lovullo does a good job, all things considered. This comes from seeing him much closer up than the Twitiots, so should certainly not be discounted. Team president Derrick Hall also publicly praised the manager, saying “This year is probably his best year… I mean, he’s won, six out of 10 years he’s had a winning record. So, I mean Torey’s done a great job for us and he continues to… There’s so many factors, but he’s done a terrific, terrific job this year.”
Of course, votes of confidence from higher up for subsequently fired managers are a dime a dozen. And Lovullo himself recently said he thinks he needed to make the post-season: “The realities of it, when I sit back and I think about it at night, we got to get to this big dance. If we do, things will take care of itself. If it doesn’t, I’m in a totally different evaluation space.” That hasn’t happened, and for now, we can only wait and see what the team decides needs to be done. But if you were in charge of the Diamondbacks, and looking to build for the future, what would you do with Mike Hazen and Torey Lovullo? And if the answer is to move on, who should replace them?
That’s what the poll below is for, and as always, please feel free to explain your reasoning in the comments.
Sep 28, 2026; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There would have been a very easy answer for Jayson Tatum to give at Media Day.
Jaylen Brown is in Philadelphia now, and with him goes at least some of the oxygen that fueled years of “who’s the alpha in Boston?” conversations. Joe Mazzulla is calling this season the beginning of a “new era.” Tatum is entering Year 10 in Boston, healthy again after an offseason spent getting his body back to where he wants it. From the outside, there is considerably less ambiguity than there used to be about who sits at the center of the Celtics universe.
So when Tatum was asked at Media Day whether this was now “his team,” he could have said yes.
Instead, he pushed back on the question itself.
“It’s not a simple thing of, ‘Is this my team?’” Tatum said. “I don’t know if that’s the answer you’re looking for.”
If you were looking for a spicy viral clip, it wasn’t. His actual answer was probably more revealing.
“I understand the roles that we all play on this team. Everybody’s role is different. That’s what makes us a team,” Tatum said. “We all bring something different on a daily basis to make the group better, add towards winning, make this organization better. So it’s not just my team. I got 14 other teammates that I’m going to lean on, and we all need each other to be better every single day.”
Jayson Tatum on leadership:
“Leadership is about a lot of different things awareness is the biggest one. Self awareness, awareness of the group and just understanding.” –@CLNSMediapic.twitter.com/rUoYGLWkoC
There’s an obvious irony to all of this. The Celtics have probably never looked more like Tatum’s team from the outside.
The partnership that defined most of his career is over. In his Media Day press conference, Tatum called Brown’s departure “tough,” acknowledging the business side of the NBA while saying he was grateful for what the two accomplished together.
Now, their separation is going to invite a different kind of attention.
There will be more questions about leadership. More attempts to decipher Tatum’s body language. Probably plenty of nights when every good or bad thing Boston does becomes some referendum on what Tatum looks like without Brown beside him.
But if anyone expected Tatum to respond to all of that by suddenly puffing his chest out and declaring himself the unquestioned owner of the franchise, they probably haven’t been paying much attention.
Tatum has never really taken the bait
“Very comfortable,” Tatum said when asked about taking on a leadership role. “This is Year 10, so just been through it all. Leadership is about a lot of different things. Self-awareness is the biggest one. And awareness of the group. Understanding we all have roles, and that we’re in this together.”
For years, the conversation around Tatum and Brown often seemed determined to force one of them into saying something the other could resent. Who was better? Whose team was it? Could they coexist? Did one need to defer to the other?
Tatum never really played along. Even as he became the more decorated player and eventually the face of the franchise, he rarely seemed interested in turning that into some public declaration of status. Monday was more of the same.
Derrick White said Tatum has become more vocal every year since White arrived in Boston, but he also pointed to the quieter part of his leadership.
“He definitely has his own unique way of being a leader,” White said. “He puts in the work, everyone sees him here … you come in here, like I gotta reach that level.”
That sounds much more like the Tatum Celtics fans have come to know: less interested in commanding a room than in showing up, putting in the work and gradually becoming more comfortable speaking when the moment calls for it.
None of that means his role hasn’t changed. Brown’s departure guarantees that it has.
And perhaps the clearest sign of that change isn’t anything Tatum said Monday. It’s who is now standing beside him. Tatum spent part of his Media Day availability talking about how much he watched Paul George growing up.
“He definitely was one of the guys that, when I was coming up, I used to watch a lot of film on,” Tatum said. “Just that archetype of a two-way player, 6-foot-9, scoring at all three levels.”
Jayson Tatum discusses getting to know Paul George, noting that he grew up watching and studying his game.
George happened to be standing in the back of the room while Tatum said it.
When Tatum finished, the two dapped each other up, with George joking, “That was sentimental.”
There’s something a little strange, and probably pretty cool for Tatum, about that reversal. One of the players he used to study is now joining his team at 36 years old, entering a locker room where Tatum is the established Celtic and George is the newcomer learning how he fits around him.
A new cast around the same centerpiece
George enters Boston as a nine-time All-Star and one of the most accomplished players Tatum has ever played alongside. But George has already talked about his arrival in Boston partly through the lens of what his own experience can offer Tatum.
George said Monday that his years playing beside Kawhi Leonard can help him build an on-court relationship with Tatum. He also talked about Tatum having “a lot on his shoulders.”
George’s comments reveal something the “whose team is it?” framing misses. The hierarchy around Tatum has changed even if Tatum’s approach to it hasn’t.
Brown is gone. George arrives as an older star with experience playing next to another elite wing. White and Pritchard are both carrying larger responsibilities than they were a few years ago, while a collection of younger players are still trying to earn Mazzulla’s trust.
Tatum doesn’t have to announce himself as the leader of that group for everyone else to understand where he sits within it. His language hasn’t shifted dramatically, just the circumstances around him.
He’s also entering this version of the Celtics feeling considerably better physically.
“I feel great,” Tatum said. “Having this offseason to get stronger, get more explosive, or just work on my body in totality. I obviously feel much better than I did this time last year.”
George, who knows something about losing major time himself, said he thinks Tatum had a “tougher injury than I had” and expects the time away to ultimately make him better, forcing him to see the game “through a different lens” and changing his hunger.
There’s a strange symmetry to the relationship now. Tatum once learned by watching George. Now, George arrives in Boston with experiences that may help Tatum navigate a very different stage of his own career.
"To have this opportunity is amazing… I wish I was here a lot sooner. Not to discredit anywhere I've been, but since I've been here, it's just been nothing but happiness."
Of course people are going to ask whether this is finally “his team.” It’s the kind of framing sports conversations tend to demand, even if the person at the center of it has spent years showing little interest in the question.
Tatum didn’t suddenly discover some new philosophy of leadership Monday. If anything, his answer reinforced the one he’s been showing Boston for years.
He knows his role.
He knows how much bigger that role has become.
He just doesn’t seem to need ownership of the Celtics to prove it.
Sep 28, 2026; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson (4) talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Moments after Hugo Gonzalez stepped down from the podium at Boston Celtics Media Day, the door on the righthand side of the Auerbach Center cracked open and Mitchell Robinson poked his head out.
“Oh my god,” he exclaimed, as he saw more eyes looking back at him than he probably expected. There was a special energy in the room from the moment that the monster-truck driving big man arrived (though he clearly hasn’t found a proper parking space for said truck).
His availability fittingly ended in jovial fashion. As Robinson stood up to walk off the podium, he pointed to the yellow Gatorade on the desk and made sure we all knew how nasty it was.
It immediately became clear what sort of personality the Celtics had added when they signed Robinson in the offseason — a radiant one.
They also got quite the player.
“It’s a fresh start,” Robinson said months after leaving the reigning champion New York Knicks to join the rival Cs. “I just want to take the challenge to come here. We played against this team so many times, and they got on us multiple times. You know, and now that I can be a part of it and see how it is over here, I’m loving it so far.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just Boston getting on New York. The battles went both ways and Robinson was a huge part of that.
I’m sure the Celtics hated to see that man checking into games — I know I did. His nose for the offensive glass puts an unmatched strain on opposing defenses. You can play 24 seconds of great defense, force a miss, and then Mitch just creates an extra possession with a big board.
Per Databallr, Robinson’s 21.1% teammate miss offensive rebounding rate was the best in the NBA last season. At the same time, the Celtics scored the fifth most points off of second chances. The two are a match made in heaven.
“Mitch is one of the best bigs in the league and super efficient, and you know his ability to impact games,” Joe Mazzula praised. “Yeah, I’m upset that we’re not going to be able to foul him anymore. But that’s just how it goes. So he’s ours, and I think he’s going to make a big impact for us, and also help our Luka [Garza] and Neemi[as Queta]. His experience, and obviously coming off of a championship we can learn a lot from him.”
Robinson shared that Mazzulla wasted no time fostering a connection. The Celtics head coach paid him a visit down in Nashville this summer. The two clearly bonded over Mazzulla’s use of the Hack-a-Mitch strategy in years past, and Mazzulla’s willingness to apologize for regularly exploiting Robinson’s 50.8% career free-throw percentage.
“At first we had a little issue because I’m like, ‘you got to say sorry for fouling me,’ but he apologized.” Robinson joked. “Now we’re on the same team. So, you know, it’s going to be great. Just to build together and stuff like that.”
Robinson made it clear that he appreciates how the Celtics, as an organization, see their players as people instead of just players.
As for the free throws… he’s been working on them. A lot.
“I’ve been shooting a lot of free throws,” he emphasized. “A lot of free throws. I’ve been getting very confident with my free throws, my shooting touch, and stuff like that.“
Manager Don Mattingly told reporters that Arraez, the team's prized acquisition at the trade deadline, will not be on the roster when the Phils play their best-of-three series against their NL East rival.
Arraez suffered a sprained left ankle during Philadelphia's Sept. 24 game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He missed the rest of the final week and finished with a .310 batting average, the sixth time in his eight-year career that he has hit .300 or better in a season.
The injury may also have cost him his fourth career batting title. He finished second to Arizona's Gabriel Moreno, who won the NL crown with a .311 average.
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Bobby Witt Jr. #7, Carter Jensen #22 and Jack Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals look on during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michaela Schumacher/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Major League Baseball has announced its finalists for the All-MLB Team, with Bobby Witt Jr., Jac Caglianone, and Carter Jensen among the nominees. Fans can vote on the nominees at www.mlb.com/all-mlb/ballot through October 9 with winners to be announced at the MLB Awards on November 11 on MLB Network.
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is second among all players in fWAR with 7.0, and leads all shortstops with 23 Outs Above Average. He is tied for fifth among shortstops in runs scored with 94, and leads them all with 45 steals. Other nominees at shortstop include CJ Abrams (Nationals), Mookie Betts (Dodgers), Ezequiel Duran (Rangers), Elly De La Cruz (Reds), Otto Lopez (Marlins), Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), Colson Montgomery (White Sox), Zach Neto (Angels), Geraldo Perdomo (Diamondbacks), and Dansby Swanson (Cubs).
Catcher Carter Jensen set the record for most extra-base hits by a rookie catcher since 1947 with 64. He tied for second among all catchers with 27 home runs and is third in slugging percentage at .467. Other nominees include Drake Baldwin (Braves), William Contreras (Brewers), Dillon Dingler (Tigers), Hunter Goodman (Rockies), Liam Hicks (Marlins), Ryan Jeffers (Twins), Shea Langeliers (Athletics), Gabriel Moreno (Diamondbacks), and Adley Rutschman (Orioles).
Outfielder Jac Caglianone had a torrid August and was named American League Player of the Month then. He hit .289, good for sixth among all outfielders, and he is third in slugging at .494. Other nominees include Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox), Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), Randy Arozarena (Mariners), Cody Bellinger (Yankees), Byron Buxton (Twins), Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks), Jackson Chourio (Brewers), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Chase DeLauter (Guardians), Riley Greene (Tigers), Michael Harris II (Braves), Jake McCarthy (Diamondbacks), Jackson Merrill (Padres), Andy Pages (Dodgers), Tristan Peters (Brewers), Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox), Juan Soto (Mets), Chandler Simpson (Rays), Seiya Suzuki (Cubs), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres), Mike Trout (Angels), Jordan Walker (Cardinals), and James Wood (Nationals). Three outfielders will be selected, regardless of which outfield position they played.
Fans voting on MLB.com and a decorated panel of media members, broadcasters, former players and other officials throughout the game will have equal say in determining the first-team and second-team choices who comprise the 2026 All-MLB Team. All choices will be based on the 2026 regular season, without regard for American League or National League affiliation.
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13: Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a strike out during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Sunday, September 13, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Joe Sullivan/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
We’ve known who would be starting in the Wild Card series for a while now, but we didn’t know in what order they’d pitch. And that matters in a short series — a lot. In Cam Schlittler, the Red Sox are going up against the best pitcher in the American League tomorrow night. They need someone who can match his ability to miss bats and quiet both the Yankees lineup and the Yankee Stadium crowd. That guy is going to be Payton Tolle:
Chad Tracy announces Payton Tolle as the Red Sox Game 1 starter 👀🎙️
It’s been an incredible season for Tolle who, lest we forget, wasn’t even on the Opening Day roster and didn’t make his first start until late April. But over the next five months he endeared himself to Red Sox Nation like few other Sox players in recent memory. He’s even won over Pedro Martinez. “I wish I could have taught myself at an early age how to be like Tolle,” Pedro said. “The guy laughs, the guy pitches, the guy’s a bully. The guy is big, intimidating. He’s got everything. He’s out there to beat you. He’s a bully. I love him.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Tolle is a lefty, of course, as is Ranger Suárez… and Aroldis Chapman… and Jake Bennett… and Garrett Crochet… and Erik Miller… and Jovani Moran… and Alec Gamboa. In fact, the Sox had — by far — the most left-handed pitching staff in baseball this year, and the most left-handed pitching staff in almost four decades. This could end up being huge for them this month. (Mike Petriello, MLB.com)
We likely won’t get the final roster until tomorrow morning. But we do know this intriguing nugget: Braiden Ward, the speed demon who has yet to appear in a single Major League game, has traveled to New York with the team. If he does make the roster, his role would likely be limited to pinch-running. But he’s more than ready for that. “If they put me on the bases, especially first base, ninth inning,” he said, “even if a guy’s 1.1 to the plate and a 1.8 pop time (from the catcher), it’s ‘Hey Ward, go steal it. Go figure it out.’ That’s why they put you out there — to go try to steal the bag. If I get the opportunity, obviously I’m going to try to steal it. The other team knows that. It’s no surprise why I’m going to be out there.” (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
As Ward’s quote about catcher pop time demonstrates, information about the opposing team becomes paramount in the postseason. Could the Red Sox be at a disadvantage in that department given their widely publicized smaller scouting staff? “The Sox, who have done all of their regular-season advance scouting lately by video and through in-office data analysis, started their in-person preparations last week when they sent two of their top scouts to New York for the four-game Yankees-Rays series, to check out their expected Wild Card and ALDS foes.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
If you want to do some advance scouting of your own, here’s the series preview from FanGraphs. (Jay Jaffe, FanGraphs)
And here’s what the writers and analysts at one prominent outlet are predicting for the series. (The Athletic)
On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets claimed Washington Capitals depth goaltender Clay Stevenson on Monday, adding the 27-year-old Drayton Valley, Alberta native in what is likely a move to fill their backup role.
Speculation had suggested Winnipeg might look to bring back Eric Comrie, last season's backup, after he was placed on waivers. Instead, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff opted for new blood, landing the longtime Hershey Bears standout from the AHL.
Stevenson has established himself as a reliable goaltender at the minor-league level over the four seasons since turning pro. He opened his AHL career with a 3-0-0 record, a 1.96 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage in his first three games. Across his AHL career, he is 63-31-11 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in 109 starts.
During the 2024-25 season, Stevenson's play earned him his NHL debut, where he faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins and was solid in a 5-2 loss, stopping 33 of 38 shots. He was recalled again this past season and impressed once more, going 3-1-0 through four starts with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.
Stevenson now looks at his best chance yet to secure a regular NHL role. For Cheveldayoff, the claim is a low-cost, high-reward addition, and one that gives Winnipeg a fresh option behind its starter as the season approaches.
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Two core Knicks made it clear they’re uncomfortable with their contract situations.
As hope dwindles on the prospects of extension agreements before the season, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart applied tacit pressure on the Knicks by outlining the potential distractions and negative impacts of uncertain futures.
“I think in this situation, there’s no comfortability to be had,” Towns said on Media Day. “That’s probably the best answer to that.”
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns speaks to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Knicks have offered Towns well below his max extension of four years, $277 million, asking the All-Star to take a pay cut from his current salary while navigating the second apron. The sides are far apart and unlikely to reach an agreement before the real games start Oct. 20.
After trade rumors sapped Towns’ focus and performance for much of last season, the 30-year-old said he wants contract security “to feel as comfortable as possible.”
He can sign up until the end of June.
“I made it known I want to play here. I’ve been a fan since I was young. I would like to get one done, of course,” said Towns, who can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if he doesn’t get an extension and declines his $61 million player option for next season. “Obviously I would like to get it done so I can feel as comfortable as possible.”
Hart further detailed the distractions of lingering negotiations, noting that expiring deals often lead to relocation via trade. He revealed Monday that an extension before the season is unlikely because discussions stagnated.
“You don’t want that trickling into the season. Because whenever there’s uncertainty, there’s gonna be a lot of questions, there’s gonna be a lot of rumors,” Hart said. “At a human level, sometimes that can wear people down and it can affect how you go out and handle business on a day-to-day basis, just some of that uncertainty.
“So obviously that’s something that you want to get done so that you don’t have to deal with that and focus on that. But we know that at the end of the day, it’s a business. You have situations like that and you never know what’s going to happen. For me, as long as I wear this jersey, I’m gonna play as hard as I can for my guys and this city and hopefully we can figure that out. But we know it’s a business and we know if some of these things aren’t figured out by February (the trade deadline), it might be a different conversation.”
Hart’s current deal carries a $22 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign, so the Knicks have him under control contractually for two more years. He’s been eligible for an extension since August and would rather not negotiate during the season.
Under an edict from team owner James Dolan, the Knicks are avoiding the second apron of the luxury tax – a mission that gets trickier when Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby become eligible for extensions next year.
Mitchell Robinson was already a casualty of the second apron, having left in free agency to the Celtics because the Knicks didn’t want to spend to keep the center.
Hart hopes he’s not another one.
“Are things going to get done? There hasn’t really been much movement or conversation with that, so I don’t think it will get done,” Hart said. “But I would love for it to get done. Once the season starts, I’ll probably have that mentality of ‘I don’t really wanna deal with this, I want to try and focus on playing the season.’ I’m sure there will probably be a little extra weight to the jersey. You don’t know the certainty of your situation and obviously it affects home life. There are certain things that you might want to do, but you’re like ‘I can’t, because I have no idea what the situation will be in two months, three months, four months, in a year, if I’m gonna be here or not.’ You don’t know. But hopefully, like I said, I’m a Knick, I’d love to be a Knick and I love the city.”
Soon after that answer from Hart, the electrical power at the practice facility shut down and the lights turned off. It gave Hart an opportunity to prematurely end his availability.
Knicks guard Josh Hart speaks to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostKnicks guard Josh Hart is illuminated by a video light after a power failure while speaking to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But Hart continued.
He wanted to make a point about the unresolved contract extensions – Miles McBride is also eligible and unsigned – and finished Media Day with reasons to be concerned.
“I would hope that that stuff gets done,” Hart said. “At the end of the day, we’re humans and I think what sometimes gets lost is that we are people, that we all have lives and things that we have to deal with and fix. I wish I could sit there and say it wouldn’t have any weight or any bearing, but you never know. Some people can handle it great and some people can really struggle with it and that can kill their performance. I hope it gets done, but we’ll see.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees throws to first base during the sixth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on September 24, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the Yankees were ultimately unable to overtake the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League East title and thus the AL’s number one seed, they put together a splendid month of September, finishing 15-8. They did so while navigating a roster that was often in flux, welcoming some players back from stays on the injured list while others took their place. That volatility meant that the team rarely looked the same defensively from night to night. The Yankees were up to the challenge. Here are five of the best plays we saw from the Bombers in the field this month.
September 2nd: Caballero and Goldschmidt get after it early
Here’s a nice way to start a list—and a ballgame. The first pitch Cam Schlittler threw in this start at Angel Stadium was hit hard by Zach Neto towards shortstop. With an eight-degree launch angle, it was sort of a tweener—not exactly a grounder, not exactly a line drive. José Caballero, though, read this tricky batted ball well. Somewhat off-balance, he was able to make a lunging stab on the first bounce, then aim a strong throw to first, where the veteran Paul Goldschmidt made a classic scoop to retire the hustling Neto and start the night off right. Schlittler would go on to complete eight superb innings.
September 11th: Lombard denies Bichette with slick pick at short
George Lombard Jr.’s defense has been an obvious talking point since the young man came up to the Majors last month. He made a spectacular first impression the first few weeks, then endured some odd struggles at shortstop not long afterward. In September, though, the polished defender who was essentially MLB-ready years ago was the version of Lombard we typically saw. I don’t think any play he made this month quite matches some of the stunners he made in his first week and change, but this robbery of Bo Bichette was still excellent. His advanced coordination, agility, and strong arm are all on display here.
When Anthony Volpe made his return from the minor leagues, he began playing games at second base instead of his traditional shortstop position, where Lombard, as we saw in the previous clip, had already begun establishing himself in his absence. But the Fox still showed plenty of agility at the keystone, like on this grounder from Brett Baty which hopped off the pitcher’s mound. With his momentum carrying him into center field, Volpe was able to read the bounce off the hill, leap, and throw an absolute seed to first to record the out.
September18th: Jones makes sliding snare in the gap
Spencer Jones made no trivial number of nice catches in the outfield this month, but for my money this was his best. Tim Tawa ripped what looked to be a sure double into the left center gap, but the rookie outfielder quickly came to the rescue. Jones covered 69 feet in short order, then perfectly timed his slide and secured the catch to take away extra bases. Defensive metrics have been a bit down on Spencer, particularly in center field, but his great instincts still allow him to make plenty of pretty plays.
September 22nd: Bellinger, García combine for 7-2 double play
I see no better way to round out the list but with your regularly-scheduled outfield assist from Cody Bellinger — who even after losing a full month to injury has made a great case for his first Gold Glove since 2019. With the Rays putting the hit-and-run on, Bellinger tracked down a looping liner from Richie Palacios, then came up firing to catch Victor Mesa Jr. on his frantic retreat back to first base. Granted, this wasn’t the most accurate peg we’ve ever seen from Cody out there, but that just set up the back end of the highlight. Luis García Jr. had to drift a bit off the bag to receive the throw, but was able to scoop the ball and apply the tag on Mesa in one fluid motion as he tumbled to the dirt. This twin killing gave Carlos Rodón an extra boost as he went on to twirl eight scoreless innings.
This week, the future Hall of Fame Dodgers star-turned-NBC television broadcaster will be on assignment for the network’s coverage of MLB’s first-round wild-card playoff series, drawing none other than the San Diego Padres’ clash with the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park beginning on Tuesday.
A rookie broadcaster following a decorated 18-year career on the mound, Kershaw has made a positive impression in his television debut this year, which has included sideline work on NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball package as well as a cameo as the primary color analyst on a SportsNet LA Dodgers game last month.
Now, he will step onto an even bigger stage to kick off the playoffs, serving as a field-side “Inside the Pitch” analyst alongside play-by-play man Dave Flemming and game analysts Jim Deshaies and Mark Grant (a member of the Padres’ regular-season broadcast team) in the booth, and sideline reporter John Fanta.
A new October role, in what will be familiar postseason surroundings.
NBC Sports Names Announce Teams for Exclusive Coverage of MLB Wild Card Series Presented by AbbVie.
The Games Begin This Tuesday, Sept. 29 on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN!
As a player, of course, Kershaw was a key figure in the recent explosion of the Dodgers’ and Padres’ National League West rivalry. Three times in the back half of his career, the two clubs met in memorable playoff matchups, with the Dodgers sweeping San Diego in the National League Division Series en route to their 2020 title, getting eliminated in a stunning upset during the 2022 NLDS, then exacting revenge in a five-game epic in the 2024 NLDS (the lone series of the three Kershaw missed because of an injury).
This year, the two teams can’t cross paths until the NL Championship Series, with the second-seeded Dodgers (who got a bye for the wild-card series this week) sitting on the opposite side of the bracket from the fourth-seeded Padres.
For now, however, their respective focus is on their more immediate task, with the Padres trying to avenge their wild-card elimination to the Cubs last year, and the Dodgers preparing to face either the Braves or Phillies in next week’s NLDS.
The same goes for Kershaw, who will be capping off his first year of TV work during this week’s best-of-three series (since NBC doesn’t have the rights to any further rounds of the playoffs).
Clayton Kershaw smiles on the field prior to a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. MLB Photos via Getty ImagesSan Diego Padres players acknowledge the fans after the Padres beat the Diamondbacks at Petco Park in San Diego, California, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
As the 38-year-old told the California Post last month, he is still undecided on whether TV will be a full-time gig for him in retirement. This year, he has worked only a handful of games while also serving as a special assistant to the Dodgers’ front office.
For the next three days, at least, he’ll get behind the mic one more time.
He might not be playing October baseball this year. But he won’t be missing out on it, either.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 03: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on February 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Myles Turner has spent the majority of his offseason building.
From making a $1 million commitment to help fight food insecurity and advocating for animals to traveling to Morocco with the NBA Players Association to broaden his worldview, the common denominator is the same: Turner doesn't want to just lead by example, he wants to build something that lasts.
While Turner has long been committed to making an impact beyond basketball, this particular season of growth follows a season of transition on the court.
While the first season didn't go as he hoped, it's no surprise that Turner's offseason pursuits mirror the mindset he's bringing into the season ahead.
"It's funny, I think people want to call it a rebuild, but I just call it building," Turner told NBC Sports' Mary Omatiga.
"We're building towards something, and I think we're all excited just to kind of roll the ball out and get going."
In the conversation below, the newly elected Vice President of the NBPA opens up about why community work is important to him and the example he wants to set both on and off the court. Turner also reflects on his first season in Milwaukee, his reaction to Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure, and more.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Mary Omatiga: Myles, congrats on your new role! Vice President of the NBPA Executive Committee. What does it mean to you to have been elected by your peers?
Myles Turner: First off, thank you so much. It means everything to me. Just to have the respect of my peers, and just being around as long as I have been, for them to put that trust and faith in me to be the voice for the 450 and PLYRS UNTD over the next three years is a huge honor for me and not something that I take lightly.
You’ve had quite a busy off-season. In June, I know you went to Morocco with PLYRS UNTD. What was that experience like?
Turner: It was formerly called One Court, and I had some experience with the NBA Players Association in the past. I joined them in Milan a couple of years ago, and that was my first time really just immersing myself in the Players Association.
I had been to a few of the meetings. I had listened in, but they offer so many things off the floor for us as players to really advance our careers. Obviously, what we do on the court is amazing. The money that we make in this league is unbelievable, but the opportunities that they present are real.
I wanted to join them in Africa this summer just to see what else I could take in, and I'm glad I did. We got to be a part of some investment summits. We did our own little version of like a Shark Tank out there, where we got to help people with their own startups, get their pitch off. With that, you kind of see what it takes to do it on your own.
The cultural experience was unreal. That was my first time really being in an Arab state, and it was actually really cool. They were super friendly. We had some of the best accommodation! Man, I can go on and on and on. But I definitely suggest it for our brothers in this league to take advantage of the PLYRS UNTD opportunities.
Courtesy of PLYRS UNTD
How did that experience change your perspective on life?
Turner: I think for me personally, it's funny how Africa gets depicted. I had been to Tanzania before in the past. I did some work with Malcolm Brogdon and his Clean Water Initiative, but there are so many different parts of the continent.
When I got there, I just think that culturally, even with the religion, it's so amazing just how dedicated they are. I feel like things move so fast here in the States, but they take time out of the day, every single day, to make sure that they pray, to make sure that they're with their families, and to make sure they're together.
What may seem so small and minuscule to some people, to me, left a big impression. Just the fact that the entire nation itself just kind of abides by a certain set of rules, it was really cool.
Courtesy of PLYRS UNTD
Courtesy of PLYRS UNTD
You’ve also been making an impact a little bit closer to home. Your foundation recently made a $1 million commitment to help fight food insecurity. Why now and why this cause?
Turner: The cause is called Empowering the Masses, and it was founded by Ms. Tammy Johnson. I have some ties to it back in the past. To make a long story short, a few years ago, I had a not-so-great game, and a fan had kind of trolled me on Twitter. He reached out to me and asked for, like $100 on Venmo.
I'm a little petty too, so you know I sent him a penny, and I said, "Here's a penny for your thoughts." He kind of took that and got salty about it. But then, after that, fans started Venmoing me pennies. The next person Venmoed me two cents, like, "Here's your two cents."
The two cents turned to $1, $1 turned to $10, and I basically said, "Any fan that Venmos me, I'm going to match it." At the time, Texas went through a very bad freeze back in 2021. It left a lot of people without resources. Because you know, down South, we're not really used to the cold weather.
I was able to raise close to $100,000, and I gave to Empowering the Masses back then. I just wanted to continue my relationship with them because I love the stuff they're doing. It is a million dollars, but it's also a long-term investment. It's a million dollars over the next 10 years. They create opportunities, and they're giving people tangible tools and resources within the South Dallas community.
Courtesy of Operation W.A.R.M
I feel like some people don't lack ambition; they just lack access and opportunity. So that's what this million dollars will be able to do — give to this food pantry.
They're more than just a food pantry. It'll also give opportunity to essential workers, and they have phlebotomy classes. They have volunteers come in and actually build up their resumes. I think it's about teaching people to fish, not just necessarily giving them a fish. So I just like that this is a long-term pledge as opposed to just a one-time donation.
You and your fiancée — congrats on the engagement, by the way — started the Casper Foundation to advocate for animals. What made you guys want to get involved in that?
Turner: My entire life, believe it or not, I've always been a cat guy. I'm essentially trying to give a voice to the voiceless when it comes to cats.
We are an animal foundation; I just shed a little more light on cats. You look at adoption numbers, and dogs are usually the ones that are taken first.
I have such a unique platform being in the NBA and having the social media reach that I have. I have an opportunity to get a lot of these shelters off the ground. They may be doing the work, but they may not always have the reach or the social media platform that they need to get these animals adopted. So that's essentially where we come in.
Courtesy of The Casper Foundation
Courtesy of The Casper Foundation
Last year we did a tunnel walk with our teams. We had dogs and cats that were up for adoption go down our tunnel like it was an NBA pre-game fit walk. We were also able to have our wives and girlfriends come out and have events at certain [local] shelters.
Today, we literally just got back, and I was able to get a partnership with Purina and Friskies. They donated a thousand pounds of food, so we're going to share that at about three different shelters in the Wisconsin area. Little things like that are important to me to give a platform to these animals that can't speak for themselves.
It seems like this off-season you really invested a lot of time into social impact and philanthropy. Why are these responsibilities important to you at this stage of your career?
Turner: One of the first things I did when I got in the league was create my 501(c)(3) nonprofit, called W.A.R.M. It stands for "Workers and Role Models, " and I essentially try to live out exactly what I'm trying to get communities to do.
I've been doing a lot of community work back when I was in Indiana. I was there for 10 years, and we did great impact work there because that's where I called home for so long. But I wanted to stretch that further than just my playing market. I wanted to give back to my hometown. I wanted to get back to my current market, and eventually take it nationwide.
The money I've been able to amass, it's amazing, but it's also about giving back to the people that helped you get that money in the first place. I never wanted to turn my back on the people that helped me [get here].
It's also about being a role model. These younger guys coming into the league, they're trying to get their things off the ground as well. I want to make sure I provide an example of what it's supposed to look like and how you're supposed to not just give dollar amounts, but you live by what you're doing.
That's what W.A.R.M. stands for — going out there being about the things you say you're about.
Courtesy of Operation W.A.R.M.
I was listening to a podcast where you talked about NBA players having face value. You guys aren’t under helmets or hats. People know you, and you can build off of that.
How do you want your face value to translate off the court?
Turner: When people actually see me in person, it's so different. You see us athletes play on TV as these "larger-than-life" people, but when you actually get to meet us, a lot of us are dope individuals, man. What I'm just trying to get out there is that the fact that, yeah, my job is cool, but at the same time, I'm a human being as well.I want people to realize that.
When I am out there, and people do see me in person, I think it's important just to have that human connection. We're not just always talking hoops. We're talking about life, our goals, our dreams, and how we build things. That's why I think the face value is important... it just speaks volumes to just watching us on the television screen.
NBA athletes, to your point, do have that advantage. We don't wear hats. We don't wear helmets. People get to see us for who we are at all times. That's amazing, not only for philanthropic things, but for branding or letting grandma see you back at home, you know, whatever it may be.
We’ve talked a lot about your growth in the offseason, but I know that this year was also a year of transition for you. What did your first season in Milwaukee teach you about yourself?
Turner: Resiliency. I think that no matter what happened last year, I was always a constant professional. I try to carry myself as such, win, lose, good day, bad day. I mean, there are no bad days in the league. It's all a matter of perspective. What we do is amazing, the money that we get to make, the child's game that we get to play every day.
I don't ever consider days as necessarily bad days, but [I'll say] down days. You work through everything, and I think that's what I was able to do. That's what I was most proud of, being able to kind of keep my head through what people would describe as dark times. But again, I think it's always just a matter of perspective.
There are people out here who are really suffering and if me suffering is losing a basketball game, then you know I'm living a pretty damn good life.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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You said others would describe it as "dark times". How would you sum up your first year?
Turner: You said it, just a year of transition. I wanted to embrace being uncomfortable. Imagine you're doing your job. You're in the same exact place for 10 years straight. You know what's going to happen every single year. I've had the same medical staff. I had the same strength coach. I've had the same front office. Everything was consistent.
Then, just to shake something up, out of nowhere, I mean, of course, there's going to be struggles that come with it. As tumultuous as it may have seemed, I enjoyed the mental growth that I was able to have going through it from a different side and perspective. It's always crazy making a decision to go to my division rival, but you get to see things from both perspectives.
I think there were a lot of things that I learned, but more than anything, I was just happy that I chose myself and I made a decision for myself.
A big reason for coming to the Bucks was because you wanted to remain competitive, and obviously, Giannis [Antetokuonmpo] was a big part of that.
Turner: It doesn't change my competitive mindset whatsoever. I think that, coming into the situation, obviously, the initial pairing was to be with Giannis, but this is a business. At the end of the day, that man has to take care of his family. That man has to do what's best for him. All I can worry about is the future, and that's exactly where we're at.
So you know, take things day by day, keep continuing to compete, and the best things happen after that.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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Where were you when you found out he got traded?
Turner: I was in Switzerland, actually. I was in Geneva, and it was funny. I guess it happened like late at night here, and it was only like 2 or 3 p.m. over there. Obviously, it set the internet on fire and whatnot. But yeah, I was [out of] the country.
You said it best: basketball is a business; people come and go, but the one thing that hasn’t changed for you is your desire to remain competitive.
You’ve talked about how getting to Game 7 and getting to that grand stage in the NBA Finals has really changed your perspective on basketball itself. Do you still think about the finals?
Turner: Oh yeah, there's not a day that goes by that I don't. To get that close to accomplishing your biggest goal and your biggest dreams and having it all crumble right before your very eyes, of course, it leaves a lasting impression on you. But at the same time, it also keeps that fire burning.
I feel like, you know, in that moment, when you do win a championship, at times people get complacent. They feel like they've done it all. They did everything they were supposed to do.
For me, getting that close and not being able to accomplish the ultimate goal just leaves the door open for me to get back.
I know I'll be back in the finals. It's one of those things that I manifest, and I speak out loud, and I just want to continue to work to get there. But it's not just going to be given to me; at the end of the day, there's going to be trials and tribulations to get there, and I'm ready for it all.
What moment specifically comes back to you from the Finals?
Turner: I don't know if it's a specific moment. Obviously, you know, when Tyrese [Haliburton] went down, that was the biggest moment for everybody. But for me personally, it was just going into halftime with the lead and having an actual chance to win the game. It's not like we were getting blown out. It's not like we were down and out. We had a real opportunity, and things just didn't go our way.
I think there's a combination of things that it takes to win the NBA Finals. Part of it, is that you have to get lucky. Unfortunately, we just got a little bit unlucky.
How is that experience still fueling you?
Turner: It's just that desire to get back. There's no greater stage in basketball than the NBA Finals. You're the only show on TV. Overseas hoops, for the most part, are done. Everybody's watching you, especially in a Game 7 [setting]. So, just to get back to that moment, to have that adrenaline rush, to be able to play in front of your friends and family, and a lot of people who may have been doubting you in the past — it's a beautiful moment. There's nothing more poetic about being in a moment like that.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the game against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by A.J. Mast/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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After everything you’ve gone through over the last year, what does this upcoming season represent for you?
Turner: It's funny, I think people want to call it a rebuild, but I just call it building. I think that for me personally, you have a bunch of guys with a chip on their shoulder coming together, and everybody kind of feels like they have something to prove. You get a whole bunch of competitive guys under one roof, man, who knows what'll happen?
We're building towards something, and I think we're all excited just to kind of roll the ball out and get going. It's a beautiful thing when people are kind of counting you out. So when you actually go out there and start kicking ass, then you know, it's like, "Oh, where did this come from?"
Do you feel like you personally have anything to prove?
Turner: The only thing I have to prove is to just keep proving things to myself. I've made it this far in my career. I'm 30 years old, still in my prime, and I'm really just working on my leadership. I want to continue to keep proving that I can lead a group, lead a team, and hold myself high through any situation.
"I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure."
LeBron James sat down at media day in his Philadelphia jersey (still getting used to that) and talked a lot about process and fitting in with his new teammates, but at the end of his remarks, he made sure the bar is set high for this team — they are potential contenders. This team has not only LeBron but also Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid (who reporters said looked noticeably thinner), and a quality bench. The bar is set high.
When asked what drew him to Philly this summer, LeBron talked a lot about his close relationship with Tyrese Maxey — and he said agent Rich Paul's whiteboard (from Paul's podcast) was right.
"I had a list of five teams that I was interested in," LeBron said. "I think if you saw my agent [Rich Paul] in his podcast, you saw his whiteboard and whatever — I love him to death — but he had his whiteboard up there, and he had all his LeBron teams up there...
"I have a really, really good, I would say great relationship with Tyrese, and we talked a lot. I kind of picked his brain a lot on not only where he see his career going, how he see the franchise here, how much he believes in the franchise, and if I was to come here, how does he see me fitting in? Do we think it'd be a plus, or do we think it'd be a negative? Because I understand what my personality and what comes with me, sometimes it could be a negative...
"But I think our relationship, kind of, when I broke a lot of the teams down, I broke a lot of the franchises down that I could possibly play for. He was one of the main deciding factors."
Joel Embiid has a brief answer and a big grin when asked about recruiting LeBron James pic.twitter.com/WDpuQznaDL
LeBron also confirmed in a conversation with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he had "visions" of finishing his career with the Knicks in Madison Square Garden, but the team's title changed that.
Here are some other highlights from LeBron James' comments at media day.
What will be his role on the court on such a stacked roster? "Whatever the team needs for me to do. I think the luxury of my game is I can do everything. Literally, I can do everything."
On himself and everyone needing to sacrifice: "If we want to accomplish something that's really, really important, like if we say that we want to do something special, there will be a collective sacrificing — in a good way. Sometimes in sports, people hear sacrificing, you automatically people start thinking negative about it. It's not a negative thing. You can sacrifice one or two more shots, that gives you one or two more bursts of energy in the fourth quarter to slide over and take a charge... So it's not a negative when people say, "Okay, you have to make a sacrifice," or your role may change. If we're trying to do something special, which I believe we are, then that's a positive."
On what his experience brings: "I've seen everything that this league has to offer, on the floor and off the floor. So, I hope that every single day, with my approach to the game, approach to the work, that it can translate to every single guy, and even guys that's been able to win at the highest level. So, looking forward to that to that challenge."
Will LeBron play one year or two in Philly? Is this where he ends his career? "I don't want to speak into the future right now. I think that would be doing a disservice to myself on just living in the moment, especially knowing that I am where I am in my career. So, me trying to focus on what the future looks like would be like, I wouldn't be giving myself grace. I'm more in the present now, understanding that I'm in year 24."
On the 76ers fans: "I'm super excited to get in front of these fans. They know sports, they know ball, and if you're not doing what you're supposed to do, they're gonna let you hear it — and I'm excited about that. That's holding people accountable... I'm excited to just be a part of this, to be a part of the feeling, be a part of the vibe, and to go out and play for something that's more than myself, more than the players in the locker room, but for the whole city."
On those fans needing to be patient while this comes together: "It's going to take time. It's going to take time. I think people, sometimes they don't really want to work, and everyone wants like instant oatmeal. You just put the oatmeal in the bowl, you put some water in it, throw it in the microwave, in a minute and a half, you got something... If you want to do something special, it takes time, and it takes every single day doing things that you may not want to do because it's like the same thing over and over and over and over and over... In order for us to be great, we have to do things that are just not comfortable. We have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. That is the best way to expedite being great. You have to fall in love with doing things that's uncomfortable, and if we can do that, then we can be a great team."
CAMDEN, NJ — Joel Embiid's health has been a major question mark for the Philadelphia 76ers in recent seasons, and with LeBron James now in the fold, it could ultimately determine whether the franchise can fulfill its championship aspirations.
As the 7-foot center enters his 13th overall season in Philadelphia, Embiid gave a health update to reporters at the team's media day.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Embiid said at The Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on Monday.
Embiid noted that there's a plan in place for him to try to keep healthy to "play as much as possible" and be at his "best" for the postseason.
"Going into the year, I want to play as much as possible," he said. "We got a plan. We're going to execute it to make sure I stay healthy and then be at my best when we get to that time. So whatever way we get there, we're going to execute it."
Embiid enters training camp looking noticeably leaner than he has in recent seasons. The work Embiid put in during the offseason has not gone unnoticed, including by James, the 76ers' marquee offseason addition.
"Joel is one of the most talented guys that we have in the world, and obviously we all know that for him it's just been about health. How can he stay healthy to be the best version of himself? Be the best version of himself to be the best version of us as a team?" James said on Monday.
"I've seen him put in a lot of work on his body, putting a lot of work in his game, a lot of work on his mental season. That is a big upside, not only for us as his teammates, but I guarantee it is for him. I don't want to speak for him. You guys have talked to him, but I guarantee that's a good feeling for him."
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has dropped a considerable amount of weight. pic.twitter.com/Of1rI0aZS6
Embiid has struggled to stay in the Sixers' lineup in recent seasons due to his health. He's combined to play 96 regular-season games over the last three seasons and has not played more than 40 games since his MVP season in 2022-23.
Last season, Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy on April 9 that kept him out for the Sixers' final two regular-season games, their play-in game against the Orlando Magic and the first three games of their first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
The Sixers center appeared in just 19 games during the 2024-25 season after the team deemed him medically unable to play because of persistent knee issues. Those problems stemmed from a torn meniscus in his left knee suffered the previous season, an injury that required surgery and sidelined him until late in the regular season.
